3 Chamberlain St. Campbelltown NSW 2560

FOCUS Connect

Any Questions?

Call (02) 4627 1188


No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)

NO INTEREST LOANS (NILs) 

Affordable Loans for Essentials and Emergencies

FOCUS Connect offers No Interest Loans (NILs). This loan provides people and families with access to fair, safe and affordable credit that can be used to purchase essential goods and services to the maximum value of $3000.

Financial Support

Pay Back Only What You Borrow

no fees

No Fees

no charges

No Charges

no interest

No Interest

a man and a woman are sitting on a couch looking at a phone

Empower Your Budget

Lift Your Life with Interest-Free Loans

NILs loans offer a financial lifeline to those on low incomes. It enables low-income individuals and families to acquire crucial goods and services without the burden of interest or fees. This unique program stands apart from high-cost alternatives as it provides a more sustainable and secure option for essential purchases.

What can you use a NILs loan for?

Borrow up to $2000 for crucial goods and services, including:

Household items like appliances, whitegoods & furniture

Car repairs & registration

Medical, dental, wellbeing and life event expenses

Technology like a phone or laptop

Education expenses like fees or uniforms

Employment expenses like licenses or equipment

Borrow up to $3000 for:

Bond & rent in advance

Rent arrears

Rates

Costs associated with a natural disaster

Utilities (for people who have experienced FDV only)

Eligibility Criteria for NILs Loans

Criteria 1: Low-income threshold

To qualify for a NILs loan, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria under the low-income threshold:

  • Individuals earning less than $70,000 annually (before tax)
  • OR couples/those with dependents earning less than $100,000 annually (before tax)
  • OR individuals who have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years
  • OR holders of a Health Care Card/Pension Card

Criteria 2: Capacity to repay

In order for a NILs loan to be appropriate for you, you must have the capacity and willingness to repay the loan. Your capacity is calculated using the below equation (calculated fortnightly):



TOTAL INCOME > TOTAL EXPENSES + NILs loan repayment

Criteria 3: Residency status

People who are non-permanent residents of Australia, such as people on temporary protection visas or bridge visas, are eligible to apply for a NILs loan.


If you're applying for a NILs loan with a temporary visa, make sure that the loan term does not exceed the expiration date of your visa. Apart from this, the same eligibility criteria apply.

Criteria 4: Time at current address

Ideally, a NILs loan applicant must have resided at their current address for 3 months (to enable them to present realistic expenses such as utilities etc.). 


This requirement, however, can be relaxed under exceptional circumstances, such as: 

  • Applicants in transitional housing 
  • People transitioning out of homelessness or incarceration
  • People experiencing family violence
  • State/community housing transfer
  • If someone has stayed in the area (but not address) for a long time
  • If it is difficult to obtain proof of residency (e.g. remote areas)
a man and a woman are sitting on a couch looking at a piece of paper

How to Apply for a NILs Loan

The FOCUS Connect Team Is Here to Help

At FOCUS Connect, our team is dedicated to making your enquiry and application process as quick and seamless as possible. We guide you through every step with clear instructions and support. We’ll ask you to provide some documents and work with you to draft a budget for our loan assessment process. To get started, kindly submit your enquiry online and a member of our team will promptly get in touch with you.

Enquire Now

Our No Interest Loans (NILs) are available to low-income people in the following  areas:

a man and a woman are sitting on a couch looking at a piece of paper

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a NILs loan?

    A NILs (No Interest Loans) loan is a unique financial offering that allows individuals to borrow up to $2000 for the purchase of essential goods and services, without the burden of interest rates or additional fees. This program is designed to support those in need by providing an affordable way to access necessary items, ranging from household appliances to medical treatments and educational resources.

  • What can I use a NILs loan for?

    You can use a NILs loan for a wide range of essential goods and services. This includes, but is not limited to, home appliances, furniture, medical and dental services, educational tools and materials, and car repairs. The goal is to cover needs that significantly impact your quality of life and wellbeing.

  • How much can I borrow?

    You have the flexibility to borrow up to $3000. This can be through a single loan or across multiple loans, depending on your needs and repayment capacity. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to borrow what you need within the limit to meet your essential needs without overburdening you financially.

  • Are there any fees?

    Absolutely not. The NILs loan program is completely fee-free. There are no application fees, service charges, or hidden costs. The aim is to make financial assistance as accessible and straightforward as possible for those in need.

  • Is there interest?

    No, there is zero interest charged on NILs loans. This is one of the key features that distinguishes NILs loans from other financial products. It ensures that borrowers can manage their repayments without the added burden of interest.

  • Do I need to provide security?

    No security or collateral is required to apply for a NILs loan. This means you do not need to risk any personal assets or have a guarantor to back your loan application. The program is built on trust and community support, aiming to make financial assistance accessible to everyone.

  • What documents do I need to apply?

    To apply for a NILs loan, you will need to provide identity verification, proof of income, details of your expenses, and quotes for the items or services you wish to purchase. These documents help assess your eligibility and financial situation to tailor the loan to your needs.

  • How do repayments work?

    Repayment plans for NILs loans are designed to be affordable and considerate of your financial situation. The terms are set up to ensure that you can comfortably repay the loan within a timeframe that suits your budget, without causing financial strain.

  • Can I apply if I have a low income?

    Yes, the NILs loan program is specifically designed to assist individuals and families on low incomes. It aims to provide financial support to those who need it most. This ensures that everyone has access to essential goods and services regardless of their financial background.

  • What's the minimum amount I can borrow?

    There is no minimum borrowing limit. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to borrow only what you need, even if it's below $2000. This ensures that you're not taking on more debt than necessary and can comfortably manage your repayments.

  • How does repaying my loan help the community?

    When you repay a NILs loan, the money goes back into the community fund, making more loans available to other individuals in need. This creates a positive cycle of community support and financial aid, known as the Circular Community Credit Model, which helps to enhance the program's sustainability and reach.

  • What is the Circular Community Credit Model?

    The Circular Community Credit Model is a foundational principle of the NILs loan program, where every repayment made by borrowers helps fund future loans for others in the community. This model fosters a sustainable ecosystem of support and ensures that the program can continue to assist individuals and families in need, thereby strengthening and enriching the community as a whole.

  • Can temporary visa holders apply?

    Yes, temporary visa holders can apply for a NILs loan, provided that the loan term does not exceed the expiration date of their visa. This inclusivity ensures that even those who may not be permanent residents can access financial support for essential needs.

Share by: